Your first rung on the property ladder is often a small apartment or house simply because of the limited budgets that define our early adulthood.
And while it would be lovely to snap up a five-bedroom mansion in a prestigious neighborhood, the reality isn’t like that for most of us. Instead, we do our best to build a lovely, warm home from a more modest affair.
As an experienced local agent, I’ve seen some marvellous upgrades of small houses and apartments that change our impression of their size, enhancing their market value. Here are some of the tips to achieve this outcome.
Paint principles
Color has a significant impact on people’s impression of a property’s size. If you only do one thing, repaint your home. Choose light colors and neutrals as these make each room feel open and welcoming. Feature walls of a more striking tone are popular but not a buyer “hot button”.
Floor it
A more ambitious approach is to change the floor plan, embracing open-plan living. This can be expensive if you remove supporting walls, but a wise investment. Warm, beautiful wood makes a superb floor, although there are countless and less expensive alternatives.
Kitchen catch-ups
Create a kitchen where you can sit and enjoy a coffee with friends and the occasional neighbor who might drop by for a chat. This adds an extra dimension to your entertaining options.
Embrace outdoors
If you can create a kitchen that flows into your back garden or balcony, you’ll nail the space challenge. A small deck to allow you to entertain guests in the warmer months is ideal.
Storage sensations
Always look out for neat storage spaces as you renovate. The biggest challenge in smaller homes is finding places to put stuff. If your budget allows, talk to a carpenter. Tailor-made storage solutions add utility and value to your home.
Bathroom beauties
A modern bathroom makes a statement of quality about your home. The impact is even more striking in smaller apartments and houses than large ones, making it a great way to increase the value of your home.